--- title: "United Airlines overhauls loyalty program with new spending requirements" url: https://newscentral.site/united-airlines-overhauls-loyalty-program-with-new-spending/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Travel" published: 2026-11-02T11:00:29.000Z updated: 2026-11-02T13:30:36.079Z id: ddfa3591-65ac-4094-98e5-837786f00d95 source: "The Points Guy https://thepointsguy.com/news/is-airline-elite-status-still-worth-it/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/united-airlines-overhauls-loyalty-program-with-new-spending/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # United Airlines overhauls loyalty program with new spending requirements Major carriers are changing how they reward loyal customers, focusing more on spending habits than flight frequency. Airline elite status is facing significant changes as major carriers overhaul their loyalty programs. A clear trend emerging from these updates is that members will need to spend more money to reap the best rewards. For example, United Airlines has announced that from 2027, its top elite members will not be determined solely by the number of flights taken, but also by how much they have spent on flights or on the airline's cobranded credit cards. This shift in policy means that customers who spend heavily with United will have a greater chance of achieving top-tier status. United Airlines has also made it more challenging to earn its highest elite level, known as 1K status. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is taking steps to encourage flyers to use its credit cards by counting every dollar charged towards status rewards. The airline has also closed a key shortcut to its highly coveted Companion Pass, which offers "buy-one, get-one" free flights. Southwest members who hope to earn the Companion Pass will now need to spend their way up to the airline's top tier or take 100 flights in a year. Airlines have shifted their focus from rewarding loyal flyers to those who are willing to spend money on their cards and at stores. This shift has been driven by the growing importance of credit card partnerships in the airline industry. Over the past decade, airlines have come to rely heavily on these relationships to generate revenue and reward loyalty. In response, many carriers have moved away from awarding status based solely on flight miles or time spent in the air. Instead, they now consider all types of spending, including purchases made with credit cards, when determining elite status. As a result, it's become possible for flyers to earn top-tier status without ever setting foot on a plane, as long as they're willing to spend enough money on their airline's credit card or at affiliated stores. Southwest Airlines still offers elite qualification through flight segments, allowing flyers to earn top-tier status by accumulating a certain number of flights rather than just relying on credit card spending. Airlines have been shifting their focus towards credit cards as a way to generate revenue and reward loyalty program members. This shift is evident in the fact that several major carriers now offer more favorable mileage redemptions to cardholders compared to non-cardholders. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are among the airlines that grant better redemption options to those with their respective credit cards. This means that even if you don't fly frequently, carrying one of these cards can still provide access to exclusive perks and benefits. The growing importance of credit cards in airline loyalty programs is also reflected in the significant revenue generated by these partnerships. Delta recently announced it's on track to earn a record $9 billion through its partnership with American Express, while American Airlines expects to make around $8 billion this year through its tie-up with Citibank. Airlines are looking for ways to make a lasting impression on their customers beyond just providing air travel services. By partnering with financial institutions, airlines can become part of customers' daily lives through co-branded credit cards and loyalty programs. For instance, United Airlines aims to be top of mind for its members every day, not just when they're flying. This strategy is about building a long-term relationship with customers, making them think of the airline even in their daily transactions. When evaluating the worth of elite status, it's essential to consider what benefits are being received and whether they justify the investment. To determine if elite status is still beneficial, travelers should assess their access to first-class upgrades, which have become increasingly rare for many flyers. Another factor to consider is whether elite status provides regular free access to an airline's extra-legroom section or other perks such as lounge access. Travelers must also weigh whether they are making full use of the available benefits and whether further investment in credit card spending is necessary to maximize rewards. Travelers must also consider whether their flight purchases are earning them enough elite credits and points to justify the costs of obtaining airline elite status. In evaluating airline elite status, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks, such as sacrificing valuable rewards or credit card perks by choosing basic economy flights. --- Source: [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/news/is-airline-elite-status-still-worth-it/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/united-airlines-overhauls-loyalty-program-with-new-spending/